Straight-bar knitting machines



April 1, 1969 E. STAIRT E'TAL, ,3, 5

STRAIGHT-BAR KNITTING MACHINES f Fiied Sept. 20, 196:5 shee of 10 April 1, 1969- um ETAL 3,435,638 I v STRAIGHT-BAR KNITTING MACHINES v Filed's z; 20, 1966 Sheet 3 of 10 AT 5 courese INTERVA SLACK COUEBE 4O mzowmss OFQNEEBLES AT 4 couese IHTEJZVALS 5! PLAIN COUESS 25 WIDENINGS OF INEEDLE AT 9 COURSE 'INTEEVALS 6 WIDEJ INISS OF" WEEDLE AT 4 COURSES INTERVALS 6 PLAIN couesas WELT 5b COURSES FIG3. W

April 1, 1969 START ET-5L5 STRAIGHT-BAR KNITTING MACHINES Sheet Fiied Sept, 20, 1966 April 1, 1969 .E. START ETAL T 3,435,638

. STRAIGHT-BAR KNITTING MACHINES Filed Sept. 20.,1966- Sheet 01" 1o April 1, 1969 E. s' rmzfi' F 3,435,633

STRAIGHT-BAR m'wme MACHINES Filed Sept. 20, 1966 Sheet or 10 April 1, 1969 START ETAL 3,435,638

STRAIGHT-BAR KNITTING MACHINES Sheet 8 01*"10 Filed Sept. 20. 1966 CF? I April '1, 1969 START; ETAL 7 3,435,638

STRAIGHT-BAR KNITTING MACHINES Filed Sept. 20. 1966 Sheet 9 of 10 April 1, 1969 "E. START- 3,435,638

STRAIGHI-B'AR KNITTING MACHINES Filed Sept. 20 was Shqet /0 01110 United States Patent Q 3,435,638 STRAIGHT-BAR KNITTING MACHINES Ernest Start, Ruddington, and Raymond Blood, Loughhorough, England, assignors to William Cotton Limited Filed Sept. 20, 1966, Scr. No. 580,67 Claims priority, application Great Britain Sept. 23, 1965, 40,544/ 65 Int. Cl. D04b 11/06 US. Cl. 6689 7 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE For a straight-bar knitting machine a semi-automatic programming arrangement enabling differently shaped blanks to be produced in automatic continuity from a single pinched chart of reasonably short length without a complex and costly controller and without an unduly great number of counters, by having a series of manually preset counters including for courses and fashions and multiplication of courses and fashions, programming means for rendering the counters effective selectively, and a relay system through which the different counters are controlled from one general arrangement of holes in the punched chart.

This invention is for improvements in or relating to straight bar knitting machines and concern semi-automatic programming means for controlling numbers of courses and of fashioning motions primarily for outerwear garments such as jumpers, cardigans and the like.

Our Patent No. 960,816 (US. Patent No. 3,141,316) provides a fully automatic programming arrangement for which purpose there is employed a programme controller which is of electric transistorized construction, and

- although this enables any one shaped blank to be produced in automatic repeat, and for the shape to be readily changed simply by changing a punched chart, the overall arrangement is somewhat complex and costly.

In a semi-automatic programming arrangement heretofore there is employed a preset electro-mechanical counter for each change in the numbers of courses and fashioning motions required in a blank, such that as many as 10 counters are provided, and when these counters are preset they afford control for one specific shape of a blank for a garment. However this arrangement has the disadvantage that when a differently shaped blank is required it becomes necessary to re-set all the counters.

Our patent (application No. 42,775/ 62) (US. application No. 325,837, now abandoned) provides another semi-automatic arrangement employing panels of rotary switches and flat punched cards, the application of any one card affording control for one specific shape of a blank, and differently shaped blanks being produced in automatic continuity. However with this arrangement there is employed the aforesaid complex and costly controller.

It has been further proposed to employ a punched programme carrier which has a multiplicity of rows of holes one for each course for the production of differently shaped blanks in automatic continuity, but this has the disadvantage that the punched programme carrier is of considerable length.

An object of the invention is to provide a semi-automatic arrangement which avoids the necessity for a complex and costly controller, also avoids the necessity for an unduly great number of counters, and further enables differently shaped blanks to be produced in automatic continuity from a single punched programme carrier of reasonable length.

3,435,638 Patented Apr. 1, 1969 The invention provides, for'a straight bar knitting machine, semi-automatic programming means for numbers of courses and fashioning motions, comprising a series of manually preset electro-mechanical counters whereof at least one course counter is for counting courses, at least one fashion counter is for counting fashioning motions, and a multiplier counter is for repetitive operation of the course and fashion counters, an electro-mechanical programme carrier and reader means for rendering the course and fashion counters effective selectively with and without the multiplier counter, and a control system of electric relays and switches through which the different counters are controlled from one general arrangement of control points of the programme carrier to provide for such a multiplicity of different course and fashion arrangements that from one setting of the different counters differently shaped blanks can be produced in automatic continuity. Conveniently there is a first machine operated switch co-operating with course, fashion, and multiplier reader switches operable from the programme carrier for controlling the course, fashion, and multiplier counters, course, fashion, and multiplier reset switches operable from the counters for resetting them and through control relays and switches selectively operating a fashioning motion relay and a programme carrier stepping on relay. Conveniently also there is a second machine operated switch in association with a switch of the latter relay for breaking feed to this relay in timed relation to the programme reading operations. There is also a count break switch operable by a count break relay with the fashion relay, to interrupt feed to the first machine operated switch and the reader switches for fashioning motions.

More specifically there are two course counters, three fashion counters, and one multiplier counter. Associated with the two course counter there are two count relays in parallel, two reset relays and a slave relay in parallel, the count relays being for stepping on the counter, the reset relays being for operating the reset switches for resetting the counters, and the slave relay being for operating a control switch for directing feed to the programme carrier stepping on relay. Associated with the three fashion counters there are three fashion count relays in parallel for stepping on the counters and three reset relays in parallel for operating reset switches to direct feed to the fashioning motion relay. Associated with the multiplier counter there are four relays and associated switches for stepping on the counter, resetting the counter, preventing stepping on of the programme carrier, and for safety purposes. There are also conveniently manually operable switches for control manually instead of by the programme carrier for testing and the like purposes.

The programme carrier is conveniently a punched endless band running on a rack drum. There are conveniently columns of holes for the course and fashion count relays, the multiplier count relay, extent of fashioning and type of fashioning. Other columns of holes may be provided for other purposes.

The foregoing and other features of the invention set out in the appended claims are incorporated in the specific embodiments to be hereinafter particularly described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an electric control cabinet containing counters, relays and switches according to the invention.

FIGURE 2 is an electric circuit diagram incorporating the counters relays and switches.

FIGURE 3 is a diagram of an outerwear blank produced according to the invention.

FIGURE 4 is a view of part of a punched endless band according to the invention.

FIGURE 5 is a general view of one of the counters.

FIGURE 6 is a rear circuit view of the counter.

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged view of a change-over part of the counter circuit.

FIGURE 8 is a view of a suitable racked card programming device used in a machine according to the invention.

FIGURE 9 is a detail front view of cam operated switch means used in the machine.

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged part sectional view of part of FIGURE 9.

FIGURE 11 is a front view of control means for fashioning.

FIGURE 12. is a side view of FIGURE 11.

Referring to FIGURE 1 the control cabinet 1 is for the semi-automatic programming control of a Cottons Patent straight-bar knitting machine in respect of the productions of different numbers of courses in predetermined relation to diiferent numbers of fashioning motions, the latter motions generally but not always being for narrowing or widening a fabric blank produced on the machine primarily for outerwear such for example as a jumper, pullover or cardigan, or underwear.

The control cabinet 1 primarily houses six electromechanical counters 1c, 2c, 1F, 2F, 3F and M with various relays and other components in an electric circuit to be hereinafter fully described, and a control panel 8 to provide for either the semi-automatic control or manual control in a manner to be hereinafter described.

Each counter is in this instance of count-down relay type such as that known 'by the trade name Rodene," FIGURES 5 to 7, in which there is a dial of numbers from 1 to each associated with an electric contact with which a contact wiper co-operates, the latter being manually preset by turning a pointer P.

The contacts 2 to 20 are connected to the service to be counted and the wiper W is stepped-round by a count relay coil A, FIGURES -6, 7, to count down to 1. The 1 contact is connected to a change-over circuit for resetting of the counter by a reset relay coil R, FIGURE 7.

The six counters are electrically connected to six electric switches SWS, FIGURE 8, of a programme reader the programme being provided by punched holes in trans verse rows and six side by side columns, FIGURE 4, in an endless punched band B, FIGURE 8, adapted to be racked-on by racking means. More specifically, six feelers F operate the switches SWS selectively by having pegs P co-operating with the punched holes when allowed to engage the band B by lowering of an arm A by a cam C and cam follower CF, and there being a cam C1 and cam follower CF1 operating a pawl PW which acts on a ratchet wheel R to rack-on a drum D mounting the band B after each selection or reading as will be well understood by those skilled in the art. The arrangement is such that for any racked position of the punched band a hole in any of the six columns will cause closing of its associated switch SW5 thereby to introduce the associated counter into operation. Thus a hole in column 1, FIGURE 4, will bring in counter 1C, a hole in column 2 will bring in counter 20 and so on.

The counters 1C and 2C are courses counters for counting courses finishing with a rack-on of the punched band. The counters 1F, 2F, 3F are fashion counters for counting courses finishing with a fashioning. The counter M is a multiplier counter for obtaining repeat of the courses and fashionings.

Referring to FIGURE 2 the series of relay coils which are shown commoned at one side consist of course count stepping coils 1CS, 2G8 and course reset coils 1CR, 2CR, CSRR of the course counters 1C, 2C, fashion frequency stepping coils IFS, 2FS, SP8, and fashion frequency reset .4 coils 1FR, 2FR, 3FR of the fashion counters 1F, 2F, 3F, multi-stepping coils MSC and multiplier reset and safety coils MRT, MRT A, MRT B of the multiplier counter M, a fashion slave coil FSC which is arranged to cause operation as disclosed in said patent, of a card rack fashions solenoid in the machine which shogs the cam shaft to instigate a fashioning motion of the machine, and a card rack relay coil CRR which is arranged to cause operation as disclosed in said Patent, of a card rack solenoid in the machine which racks the punched endless band on.

The other sides of the course and fashion stepping coils ICS, 208, IFS, 2FS, 3FS are connected to the programme reader switches D7, B7, A7, B7, C7, which are commoned and connected to a selecting switch MSRMl on the control panel for changing between the semi-automatic and manual control, this switch being associated with a manual rotary switch MRS (on the control panel) which has five contacts connected to the courses and fashions counters 1C, 2C, 1F, 2F, 3F, and a manually presettable contact wiper. The switch MSRMl is also connected to a feed line of volts, through a count switch SW which is operated by a cam C2, FIGURE 9, on the machines main cam shaft and a cam follower CFZ connected to a cam slide SL and a switch roller SWR, see also FIGURE 10, to open and close once per course, a normally closed count break switch CBRI, and a bank of commoned reset switches M7, N7, J7, K7 and L7 of the courses and fashions counters.

The course reset coils CSRR, 1CR and ZCR are commoned at their other side and are connected to the course reset switches M7, N7 to a nonmally open contact of a course-fashion control switch CSRRI.

The fashion frequency reset coils lFR, 2FR, 3FR are commoned at their other side and are connected to the reset switches J7, K7 and L7 and also to the control switch CSRRI.

The other side of the multi-stepping coil MSC is connected through a normally open relay switch MRTB2 to the fashion frequency reset coils 1 FR, ZFR and 3 FR and to the reset switches J7, K7, L7 and to the control switch CSRRl.

The other side of multiplier coil MRT B is connected through normally closed switch MRTA2 of coil MRT A and normally open switch H7 of the reader switches to a normally closed contact of the reset switch R7 (of the multiplier counter) which is commoned with the other reset switches to the 115 v. feed.

The other side of multiplier coil MRT A is commoned with the multiplier coil MRT and is connected to the normally open contact of multiplier reset switch R7.

The other side of the fashion slave coil FSC is connected to the normally closed contact of the control switch CSRRl which is connected through normally closed reset button 07, normally closed manual cancel switch MSRS2, normally closed cancel switch MRTB1, normally open retaining switch CRRI and normally closed count reset switch SW1 to turn.

The other side of card rack relay coil CRR is connected to the return in between the switches MRTB1 and CRRl and a further connection from this location is to the open side of the multiplier reset switch R7 A safety switch MRTAl is in parallel with the switch MRTB1.

There is also a switch F7 operable from holes in an additional column in the punched endless band and disposed between the return and the normally open contact of the control switch CSRRl, and a further switch G7 operable from holes in another additional column in the band and disposed between the return and the arm of switch CSRRl.

In use, the supply voltage of 115 v. is fed via a fuse F to the column of reset switches N7, M7, L7, K7, J7 and R7. From the normally closed side of the switches the voltage is fed via normally closed switch CBRl to the normally open cam operated switch SW. The supply line, which is broken by this switch, then feeds to the arm of the change-over relay switch MSRMl. The normally closed side of the switch is fed to the connections of the switches A7, B7, C7, D7 and E7 of the reader, a punched hole in the band allows the appropriate of these latter switches to close thereby feeding the supply to the corresponding stepping coil of the thus selected counter.

Assuming courses only are to be produced and counted, the counters 1C and 2C are preset manually to the count required, and they are selected by switches E7 or D7 respectively of the reader. Counters 1F, 2F or 3F are preset manually when fashioning is required at a desired course frequency and these counters are selected by means of the switches A7, B7 and C7 respectively of the reader. Any of the counts made by the different counters can be multiplied from 1 to 20 times by bringing into operation from the reader, through the switch H7, the multiplier counter.

If therefore, by means of the punched band, the switches D7 or E7 operate, then for each revolution of the machine cam shaft, the switch SW5 will close thereby energizing the stepping coil 1CS or 2CS to operate a racking mechanism within the counter and thereby reduce the selected course number by one for every pulse. When the selected number of courses has been produced, the 115 v. supply through switch M7 or N7 is changed over by the last count, from counting line to reset line. The voltage then energizes the course reset coils 1CR, ZCR and course slave reset relay coil CSR. When energized the course reset coils 1CR, 2CR will reset the counters; at the same time the course slave reset relay coil CSRR will change over the control switch CSRRl thereby feeding the 115 v. supply through the reset normally closed button 07, the normally closed relay contact MSRS2 and the normally closed relay contact MRTBI thereby to energize the card rack relay coil CRR. This will energize the racking solenoid to rack the punched band on for the next reading. At the same time this will close the relay contact ORRl which will feed the 115 v. supply directly through the normally closed cam operated switch SW1 which is timed to open following the cam operation of the switch SW5. This opening of switch SW1 will in turn break the 115 v. feed to the card rack relay coil CRR.

If however the switch A7, B7 or C7 is selected instead of the switch E7 or D7, the supply voltage then energizes the selected stepping coil IFS, 2FS or 3FS of the fashion frequency counters 1F, 2F or 3F. On resetting at the end of the count (as described for the course counters 1C, 20) the 115 v. supply is changed over from the count line via the switches J7, K7 and L7 to the fashion frequency reset coils lFR, ZFR or 3FR, also to the common of the normally open contact MRTB2, and the common of the change over control switch CSRRI. The normally closed side of this control switch CSRRI will energize the fashion slave coil FSC. The supply is also taken to a count break relay coil (not shown) which opens the switch CBR1 thus breaking 115 v. feed to the count switch SW during the fashioning operation. The feed is then taken via the common of the control switch CSRRI to the card rack relay coil CRR causing the punched band to be racked on for the next reading.

If multiplying is required this is obtained by means of the reader switch H7 which receives the 115 v. supply via the normally closed contact on the reset switch R7. This will energize, through the normally closed relay contact MRTA2, the relay coil MRT B. When energized, this relay coil MRT B will close the relay switch MRTB2 and open the relay switch MRTBI. Thus when either course or fashion reset takes place, this will prevent a rack of the punched band, but it will enable a normally reset operation to take place, at the same time reducing the count of the multiplier counter M by one for each reset pulse. When the multiplier counter M resets (as for the course and fashion counters) after completion of its count, this will change over the reset switch R7 thereby breaking the feed to the relay coil MRT B. This will energize the card rack relay coil CRR, and also energize the relay coil MRT which will reset the multiplier counter M and will energize the relay coil MRT A thereby closing the switch MRTA1 and opening the switch MRTA2. These are both safety switches, the switch MRTA1 being to ensure that a rack of the punched band and normally resetting takes place, and the switch MRTA2 being to ensure that the relay coil MRT B is de-energized.

When manual control is required the switch MSRMl is operated by a press-button PB on the control panel FIGURE 1 thereby directing v. feed through the manually operated rotary switch MRS. At the same time the switch MSRS2 is opened thus preventing a rack of the punched band during the manual operation.

If only one course is required followed by a rack of the punched band, this is obtained by closing of the reader switch F7 which connects the 115 v. supply to the course slave reset coil CSRR which operates and charges over the control switch CSRRl for the supply to extend via the closed switch F7, CSRRl, 07, MSRS2, and MRTBl to the card rack relay CRR after one course and independently of the counters. With switch CSRRI in the changeover position, there is no supply connection to FSC. Similarly if there is required only one course with one fashioning motion and a rack of the punched band this is obtained by closing of the further reader switch G7 which couples the supply via the control switch CSRRl in the position shown directly to the fashion slave coil FSC independently of the fashion counters, this being followed by energizing the card rack relay coil CRR as above described for the counter fashioning motions. With the switch CSRRI in the position shown there is no supply connection to CRR since CRRI is open, R7 is open, G7 is open and J7, K7 and L7 are open. The fact that the reset coils 1FR, 2FR, 3FR and MSC are energized by closing switch G7 is of no consequence since the counters have not operated.

For control of the type of fashioning, i.e., narrowing or widening and the extent of fashioning, i.e., one or two needles, this is obtained by further columns of holes in the punched chart controlling further reader switches which operate solenoids SO, S01, FIGURES 11, 12, for controlling through leverage LE, LE1 the usual control discs CD, CD1 of racking mechanism which determines the type and extent of fashioning in usual manner. This racking mechanism comprises ratchet wheels RW, RWl operated by pawls PS, PS1 having pegs PGS, PGSl acted on by the control discs CD, CD1, the pawls being operated, by usual cams on the machines main cam shaft, to rack round usual adjustable lead screws such as LS, for usual adjustment of selvedge stops such as SS to adjust fashioning points PP, PP! through point bars PB, PBl.

When switched over to manual control this includes the reset button 07, a switch NSW substituting for a reader switch to control the extent of fashioning, i.e., to the extent of one needle or two needles as indicated, and a switch NWS substituting for a reader switch to control the type of fashioning i.e., narrowing or widening as indicated.

The garment blank illustrated in FIGURE 3 is made up as follows starting at the bottom and after constructing the welt W.

6 plain courses 6 widenings at 4 course intervals 25 widenings at 9 course intervals 31 plain courses 40 narrowings at 4 course intervals 25 narrowings at 3 course intervals 10 plain courses For this garment blank the counters would be preset for example as follows.

Course counter:

Fashion counter:

Multiplier counter M 8 Bearing in mind that upon selection of any of the fashion counters 1F, 2F or 3F this will result in the production of a number of courses equal to the set number on the fashion counter followed by a fashioning motion, and that the columns of holes in the punched band represent reading from left to right counter 10,

counter 2C, fashion counter 1F, fashion counter 2F,

fashion counter 3F, multiplier counter M, single course (switch F7), fashioning motion (switch G7), narrowing bluff, widening blufl, one needle rack, the following table shows in which columns holes will be required in the different rows.

Row:

Column 4---- Do. 5-- Do. 6---- Do. 7 Do. 8 Do.

9 Fashion counter 2F column for 9 courses and the widening bluff column for widening and the multiplier counter column for repeat 8 times.

10 Fashion counter 2F column for 9 courses and the widening bluff column for widening and the multiplier counter column for repeat 8 times.

12.. Fashion counter 2F column for 9 courses and the widening column for a widening.

13 Course counter 2C column for 20 courses.

14---..Course counter 1C column for 3 courses.

16..---Single course counter for 1 course.

17 .Fashion counter 3F column for 4 courses and the following bluff column for a narrowing and the multiplier counter column for repeat 8 times. 18---- Do. 19 Do. 20---- Do. 21 Do.

22 Fashion counter 1F column for 3 courses and the narrowing bluff column for a narrowing and a multiplier column for repeat 8 times. 23 Do. 24. Do.

25 Fashion counter 1F column for 3 courses and the narrowing bluff column for narrowing. 26 Course counter 10 column for 3 courses.

29 Single course column for 1 course.

31 Course counter 10 column for 3 courses. 32---- Do.

Further variations may be provided for from additional columns in the punched chart such as indicated in FIG- URE 4 and labelled welt quality, slack quantity, motor stop, and rib and welt.

Further counters may be added to increase the range of changes obtainable. The count of two or more of the counters may be combined by using two or more of the columns on the punched band to obtain further fashioning frequencies, e.g., for a fashion frequency of 7 instead of the preset 3, 4 or 9, this could be obtained from the course counter 1C column for 3 courses followed to fashioning counter 3F column for 4 courses followed by fashioning. This would require two rows on the card between each fashioning.

When changing over to the manual control, the operation of the push button PB will cancel any existing selection of the counters or racking of the punched band.

The main use of the manual arrangement is for producing samples or similar work which can be carried out without necessarily making a specially punched band.

What we claim is:

1. For a straight bar knitting machine, semi-automatic programming means for numbers of courses and fashioning motions, comprising a series of manually preset electro-mechanical counters whereof at least one course counter is for counting courses, at least one fashion counter is for counting fashioning motions, and a multiplier counter is for repetitive operation of the course and fashion counters, an electro-mechanical programme carrier and reader means for rendering the course and fashion counters effective selectively with and without the multiplier counter, and a control system of electric relays and switches through which the different counters are controlled from one general arrangement of control points of the programme carrier to provide for such a multiplicity of different course and fashion arrangements that from one setting of the different counters differently shaped blanks can be produced in automatic continuity.

2. Means according to claim 1 wherein there is a first machine operated switch co-operating with course, fashion, and multiplier reader switches operable from the programme carrier for controlling the course, fashion, and multiplier counters, course, fashion, and multiplier reset switches operable from the counters for resetting them and through control relays and switches selectively operating a fashioning motion relay and a programme carrier stepping on relay.

3. Means according to claim 2 wherein there is a second machine operated switch in association with a switch of the latter relay for breaking feed to this relay in timed relation to the program reading operations, and a count break switch operable by a count break relay with the fashion relay, to interrupt feed to the first machine operated switch and the reader switches for fashioning motions.

4. Means according to claim 1 wherein there are two course counters, three fashion counters, and one multiplier counter, and associated with the two course counters there are two count relays in parallel, two reset relays and a slave relay in parallel, the count relays being for stepping on the counter, the reset relays for operating the reset switches for resetting the counters, and the slave relay being for operating a control switch for directing feed to the program carrier stepping on relay, wherein associated with the three fashion counters there are three fashion count relays in parallel for stepping on the counters and three reset relays in parallel for operating reset switches to direct feed to the fashioning motion relay, and associated with the multiplier count there are four relays and associated switches for stepping on the counter, resetting the counter, preventing stepping on of the program carrier, and for safety purposes.

5. Means according to claim 1 wherein there are also manually operable switches for control manually instead of by the program carrier for testing and the like purposes.

6. Means according to claim 1 wherein the program FOREIGN PATENTS Sizzler is a punched endless band running on the rack 1,383,959 11/1964 Fmmm 7. Means according to claim 6 wherein there are g g g columns of holes for course and fashion count relays, a 5 865364 4/1961 B'ritain count relay, extent of fashioning and type of 892:0 3/1962 Great Britain:

References UNITED STATES PATENTS Hosiery Trade-Journal, November 1965, pp. 183-185,

2,214,936 9/1940 Pingel 66-155 Gmup 2,324,221 7/1943 Luhn 66155 XR WILLIAM CARTER REYNOLDS, Primary Examiner. 3,069,881 12/1962 Warren.

3,141,316 7/1964 McCarthy et al. US. Cl. X.R.

3,232,079 2/1966 Levine et al. 15 66155 

